FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What is a parish council?
A parish council is the most local level of government in England. It represents the interests of its community and has the power to deliver a range of services and amenities, such as community events, local facilities, and neighbourhood planning.

2. Why does Tamworth need parish councils?
Tamworth is currently one of the few areas in England without any parish or town councils. Creating parish councils allows for more grassroots decision-making and ensures that residents have a stronger voice on local issues.

3. What powers do parish councils have?
Parish councils can influence planning decisions, maintain parks and open spaces, provide grants to local groups, manage community buildings, support local events, and improve neighbourhood safety. Their exact powers can vary depending on what the community needs.

4. How are parish councils funded?
Parish councils are funded through a small additional charge on your council tax called a "precept." This money is used solely for projects and services within the parish area.

5. Will creating parish councils increase my council tax?
There will likely be a small increase due to the parish precept, but it is set locally and spent only in your area. Many residents find the benefits — including more responsive services — outweigh the cost.

6. How are parish councils formed?
A community governance review must be carried out by Tamworth Borough Council. This typically follows a petition from local residents. If approved, elections are held to choose parish councillors.

7. Who can become a parish councillor?
Any adult who lives or works in the area can stand for election. You don’t have to belong to a political party — many parish councillors are independent and focus purely on local issues.

8. Will this replace Tamworth Borough Council?
Sort of. Parish councils work alongside the new Unitary authority that replaces both Tamworth Borough Council and Staffordshire County Council. They focus on hyper-local matters while the new Unitary authority will manage services such as housing, planning enforcement, waste collection, licensing, highways, social care etc.

9. How many parish councils could Tamworth have?
That depends on how the town is divided. Some areas may prefer one large town council for Tamworth, while others may favour smaller parish councils for distinct communities like Amington, Wilnecote, or Glascote.

10. How can I have my say?
Residents can express their views through consultations, public meetings, and by signing or supporting petitions for parish creation. You can also contact your borough councillor or attend council meetings to voice your opinion.

11. Where can I learn more about this process?
You can visit the Local Government Boundary Commission site: https://www.lgbce.org.uk/
You can also read about how communities elsewhere have benefited from parishing on the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) website: https://www.nalc.gov.uk